What does the term 'Fluffy infiltrate' suggest in radiological findings?

The term "fluffy infiltrate" in radiological findings typically describes a particular appearance on a chest X-ray or CT scan that is indicative of pulmonary edema. This term reflects the fluffy, hazy appearance of the lungs due to the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli, which can occur in conditions such as congestive heart failure or other causes of fluid overload. In pulmonary edema, the lung fields show a diffuse, bilateral pattern of increased opacity, which is consistent with the description of a fluffy infiltrate.

While other conditions, such as tuberculosis or ARDS, can also appear on imaging studies, they usually present with distinct characteristics that differ from the fluffy infiltrate. Tuberculosis often demonstrates well-defined lesions or cavitary changes rather than a diffuse infiltrative pattern. ARDS might show a diffuse bilateral infiltrate as well, but it would typically lack the specific fluffy texture indicative of fluid overload. A pulmonary embolus generally appears more as localized, wedge-shaped opacities or infarcts rather than a generalized infiltrative pattern, making the term "fluffy infiltrate" less applicable.

In summary, the correct association of "fluffy infiltrate" to pulmonary edema is due to the specific appearance of the lungs when there is fluid retention in the alve